Immunology clinic

Immunology Clinic. Recurrent infections, long-term antibiotic therapy that doesn't produce the desired effect, and an inadequate response to vaccinations are just some of the signs that our immune system isn't functioning properly. These are also warning signs to consult an immunologist as soon as possible.

Civilization-related immunodeficiency

It's most often discussed in countries where civilization is developing rapidly. While cleanliness and hygiene can eliminate many serious diseases, when the human immune system develops in an environment low in bacteria and viruses, it can no longer cope. Added to this are stress, exposure to fresh air, lack of exercise, overwork, and excessive use of stimulants.

Excessive use of medications is also harmful to the immune system , as they improve well-being in the event of an infection, allowing the patient to lead an active life. However, such treatment prevents the body from gathering the strength to fight the disease. If complications such as inflammation occur, antibiotic therapy will be necessary. Antibiotics, in turn, also have a significant impact on the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency, among other things.

Acquired immunodeficiency

It is usually the result of ongoing or past viral or bacterial infections. If it accompanies, for example, influenza or infectious mononucleosis, it is usually transient.

In some situations, immune disorders are secondary in nature. This primarily affects patients with systemic diseases, such as those resulting from cancer. The most severe form of this type of immune defect is HIV-induced disease.

There are many cases where the treatment of other diseases causes a weakened immune system. This occurs in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs, which reduce the number of immune cells or weaken their function. These drugs are used in patients with autoimmune diseases or after transplants. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy also have an immune-suppressing effect.

Congenital immunodeficiency

It usually manifests itself in the first weeks or months after birth . It may be caused by disturbances in immune system components, such as antibodies or other substances important for resistance to infection. In this situation, immediate antibacterial and antifungal prophylaxis and appropriate treatment are necessary.

For help, consult an immunologist

The role of an immunologist is to identify the cause of immune system disorders and initiate treatment to "repair" the system. They collaborate with other specialists in this area—transplantologists, oncologists, and gastroenterologists—depending on the cause of the immune system defect.

Immunologists also provide infection prevention through vaccinations for healthy individuals and those at risk. They also specialize in immunotherapy and immunostimulation, implementing therapeutic procedures based on immunological mechanisms.

When reporting for your first visit to an immunologist, it is worth preparing a list of infections, their periods of occurrence, duration, as well as information about previous treatment, vaccinations, and adverse reactions to vaccinations.

Immunology clinic – indications for consultation:

• several or more infections per year
• severe sinus infections
• antibiotic therapy lasting two months or longer, without any improvement
• recurring skin or organ abscesses
• chronic oral and skin mycosis
• severe infections such as encephalitis, bone, muscle, skin inflammation, and sepsis
• intestinal diseases
• systemic connective tissue diseases
• diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
• abnormal biochemical and immunological test results
• patients who need protection against infections

Consultations at the Immunology Clinic are conducted by Prof. Dr. hab. n.m.d. Jacek Roliński – provincial consultant in the field of clinical immunology.